VD: Strong Screen Presence, But Where Are the Right Scripts?

There was a time when Vijay Deverakonda felt like the most exciting new-age star in Telugu cinema. His presence was raw, energetic, and different from the usual template. Films like Arjun Reddy and Geetha Govindam didn’t just work, they created a strong connection with the audience.

Even today, that screen presence hasn’t gone anywhere. Vijay still could hold attention effortlessly. Whether it’s his attitude, dialogue delivery, or overall persona, he brings a certain intensity that few actors can match. On paper, he still has everything needed to deliver a solid theatrical experience.

But somewhere along the way, the script choices have started to become a concern.

In recent years, there seems to be a visible gap between his potential and the kind of films he is choosing. The ideas may sound promising, but the execution often ends up being inconsistent. As a result, the impact that was once expected from his films has slowly been reduced.

A recent example is Kingdom. It feels like a genuine attempt from Vijay, and to its credit, the first half works quite well with solid execution. But the second half loses grip, turning predictable and dragging the film down. By the end, what could have been a strong film ends up feeling underwhelming.

This is where the challenge lies.

For an actor like Vijay Deverakonda, the margin for error is very small. The audience is no longer in a space where they are willing to accept average films from him. They expect something impactful every time. Even a slight dip in quality can quickly turn things against the film.

That kind of expectation is both strength and pressure.

At one point, Vijay was seen as someone who could shape trends and bring a fresh energy into Telugu cinema. That identity still exists, but it now depends heavily on the choices he makes going forward.

The positive side is that the audience hasn’t given up on him. There is still curiosity, still interest, and still a strong base that wants him to succeed. But that support now comes with higher expectations.

At this stage, it’s not about doing more films, it’s about doing the right films. Because the core is still intact. Vijay Deverakonda hasn’t lost his screen presence. What he needs right now is consistency in storytelling that matches his potential. And unless that alignment happens, the gap between expectation and result will only continue to grow.